Press release from the University Police Department:

On Sunday, April 19, at approximately 4:22 p.m., officers from the University Police Department (UPD) at Cal Poly Humboldt responded to a report of a possible dispute involving a man and a Cal Poly Humboldt student who were associated with a dark colored Mercedes on St. Louis Road in Arcata.

Upon arrival, officers contacted both parties and initiated an investigation. It was determined that the individuals, who did not know each other before the incident, had met earlier that day at a local business. While en route to the victim’s residence hall, the suspect abruptly turned the vehicle around and began driving at a high rate of speed. Fearing for their safety, the victim attempted to exit the moving vehicle. The suspect grabbed the back of the victim’s shirt and ordered the victim back into the car. After a brief struggle, the victim managed to escape by falling out of the moving vehicle and then fled on foot.

The suspect pursued the victim on foot until officers arrived and intervened.

The suspect, 53-year-old Michael Nilsson of Arcata, was arrested at the scene and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, where he was booked on charges of Attempted Kidnapping (PC 664/207), False Imprisonment (PC 236), and Disorderly Conduct (PC 647(f)). His bail has been set at $75,000.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact UPD at (707) 826-5555.